Local Professional Development

LILi is a group of librarians from various types of California libraries, investigating information literacy definitions, standards and instruction in California, in order to craft effective models of lifelong, sequential information literacy instruction.

The 4th Annual Conference is centered on the theme of "Learning Social Justice through Critical Information Literacy."

CSLA advocates for excellence in school library programs, develops leaders in the school library field, and collaborates with other educational leaders to ensure that all California students are effective, responsible users and creators of ideas and information.​

The CATDC offers topic-specific workshops, held in various schools throughout the year, which allow teachers to find the resources they need most, to hone their skills, and to learn innovative uses of technology. Retreats, seminars, and a broad range of networking opportunities keep teachers informed of developments state-wide and encourage educators to take on leadership roles while working collaboratively to create a teaching environment that is rewarding, inspiring, and productive. See all CATDC workshops for 2017-18 here.

Curtis School, Los Angeles October 24, 2017 November 28, 2017 January 23, 2018 March 13, 2018​This new, four-part seminar focuses on the power of active mentoring, hands-on coaching, personal connections, and regular reflection. Using the latest research and best practices, from the fields of education and business, this program supports its participants in demystifying and developing the key skills and habits of becoming and maintaining effective roles in leadership. The participants will deepen their own leadership capacity by exploring leadership style, school culture, communication, diversity and innovation, personal reflection, meaningful connections, and data-driven decision-making. A key theme throughout will be the power of mentoring and coaching, expanded upon by guest speakers, case studies, the facilitators’ experiences, and the participants’ strengths, themselves.This program is designed for aspiring and current educational leadership, in both academic and non-academic (admissions, communications, development, human resources, etc.) roles.​

Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Los Angeles November 1, 2017​​When the stakes are high, how do you deliver a message that captures your listeners’ attention and gets results? This one day, intensive training uses a proven methodology for developing high-performance leadership communication skills and empowering people to realize dramatic gains in their speaking performance. This foundational program from Stand & Deliver will dramatically elevate your ability to get results through the power of the spoken word—in any environment, from faculty meeting to parent meeting to the board room.​

This program is an opportunity for educators committed to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion to develop an understanding of practices and strategies to navigate their school community and institutional structure to affect change. Participants will use the latest research and facilitated discussion to explore a range of topics, such as racial literacy, gender diversity, socio-economic inclusion, hiring and retention strategies for underrepresented groups, multicultural curricula, and inclusive instructional practices. Ultimately, participants will consider the interplay between organizational/institutional structures and best practices/strategies, recognizing that effective leadership in the field of diversity and inclusion is context- and community-specific.Whether you are new to the work or have been doing this work for a long time, this program will meet and support you where you are, recognizing that school communities and practitioners are at unique places in this work.

Steve Breuer Conference Center and Marlborough School, Los Angeles October 8-9, 2017 (Retreat) November 30, 2017 January 19, 2018 March 1, 2018 April 27, 2018Whether you are a classroom teacher, dean, department chair or aspiring Head of School, we believe it’s vital for women to come together to learn and explore our individual approaches and challenges to leadership. Now in its 3rd year in L.A., this is the only program of its kind that seeks to bring together women from Southern California independent schools to build personal relationships and professional networks while exploring relevant topics of women’s leadership. (For a complete description please follow the link above)

The Teaching Foundations program is designed to support the growth and success of all teachers—particularly those in their early years at independent schools—by focusing on foundational areas of classroom teaching.Sessions are organized around the following topics: identity and culture (school and classroom), lesson design and pedagogy, building successful professional relationships, communication and feedback, and sustaining a career in teaching.Led by master teachers, administrators, and guest presenters, this respected program provides participants with personalized attention and specific instruction that is adaptable for all grade levels. Emphasis is placed on modeling and using best practices for lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment as well as on developing communication skills, cultural competencies, and confidence as an advisor and leader. Even seasoned teachers find useful tools and benefit from the opportunity to work with top educators in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.

Westridge School, Los Angeles August 1-3, 2017​Whether you are a teacher, department head, group leader, or administrator, you know the power and impact of excellent facilitation. Groups reach new levels of creativity, productivity, and innovation with the support of a strong facilitator. But what does it take to play that pivotal role? How does one consistently lead groups through complex, sometimes tense, discussions and decisions? How can these competencies be applied in the classroom as well as the conference room? “Mastering Group Facilitation” focuses on answering these questions. If working towards mastery in this area is a priority, then this dynamic 3-day session is for you.